Chronic nonbacterial prostatitis is long-term pain and urinary symptoms that involve the prostate gland or other parts of a man's lower urinary tract or genital area. This condition is not caused by bacterial infection.

See also: Chronic bacterial prostatitis

NBP; Prostatodynia; Pelvic pain syndrome; CPPS; Chronic nonbacterial prostatitis; Chronic genitourinary pain

Possible risk factors for nonbacterial prostatitis include:

• Bacteria
• Fungi
• Irritation caused by a backup of urine flowing into the prostate
• Parasites (trichomonads)
• Viruses
• Chemicals
• Nerve disorder involving the lower urinary tract
• Problems with toilet training
• Sexual abuse

Life stresses and some psychological factors may also contribute.

Most patients with chronic prostatitis have the nonbacterial form.

Images

Male reproductive anatomy

Review Date: 09/30/2009
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Scott Miller, MD, Urologist in private practice in Atlanta, GA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)